Speaking Out Against Hate Directed At Women: Carlos Alfredo Diaz

Welcome to the twelfth installment in the series where I ask leaders in the secular community to speak out against threats, intimidation and issues surrounding sexism.

Today, I am very excited to share the words of Carlos Alfredo Diaz. Carlos is the President of Atheist Alliance International and he speaks out against hate and also explains why his organization has adopted an anti-harassment policy. Carlos mentioned to me that he is not a native English speaker and actually offered me the choice of six different languages! He was kind enough to provide his statement in both English and in Spanish so that we could cross-post to our sister site, Esceptica. Very cool!

His words in English and in Spanish after the jump.

From Carlos:

All atheists, freethinkers, humanists, rationalists and skeptics should be welcome in our community and able to participate without having to endure threats of violence and intimidation from within our own ranks. This is so simple a point that it should not need to be stated, but apparently it does.

In general, I find threats and violence inappropriate and incompatible with our worldview. In this case in particular, not only do I find the threats and vitriolic abuse directed against women who are outspoken – particularly those who wish to discuss issues of sexism within this community – disgusting and unacceptable, they are quite frankly unbecoming of any person that wishes to call themselves civil, much less “rational”.

Argument is a staple of our community. As a diverse group we are inevitably going to argue and disagree – and we should, it’s part of how we refine our views and improve our arguments – but as rational people we should argue the issues and not threaten or attack people on a personal basis.

Atheist Alliance International has adopted an anti-harassment policy for conventions it is involved with and will stand against hate directed at fellow atheists, freethinkers, humanists, rationalists and skeptics, no matter where that hate comes from.

Hate has no place in our midst and we should strive to protect those among us who dare to speak out, even if they are shedding light on our community’s shortcomings.

Amy Davis Roth (aka Surly Amy) is a multimedia, science-loving artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. She makes Surly-Ramics and is currently in love with pottery. Daily maker of art and leader of Mad Art Lab. Support her on Patreon. Tip Jar is here.

Actually, ihatemusic, that sentence (” they are quite frankly unbecoming of any person that wishes to call themselves civil, much less “rational””) was the first sentence that came to my mind when I wrote it.

Our view on this topic should be so clear that I am baffled by the fact that I even had to address it, dogmatic, hateful and discriminatory attitudes are clearly below the level of expectations that I hold fellow atheists to and below the level of expectations that I have for any civilized person.